Ecolife Hydro Side Case - Review

Ecolife has a new case out for the HD7/HD7S. The Ecolife Hydro Side Case utilizes the same recyled material that Ecolife cases have become known for but also adds rubber edging.

The Hydro Side Case is a welcome addition to the WPCentral Store line-up and to see how well it matches with the HD7 (as well as the Samsung Focus), ease on past the break.

Design

The key design of the Hydro Side Case is the use of recycled material. Ecolife uses PET (polyethelene terephthalate) which is basically recycled water bottles. It creates a fabric that resembles cordura and in using Ecolife cases with my old AT&T Tilt 2, I can attest the fabric is durable.

The Hydro case has a large flap that is secure by magnets. A large belt clip is lined with the recycled material and holds the case nicely in place. The wide clip minimizes any wiggle the case may have when worn on the belt.

The flap is lined with a narrow strip of rubber that re-enforces the edges of the flap and gives it a little grip. You also have a small patch of rubber (for looks) on the face of the flap. Lastly, the case is lined with soft, felt-like material to protect your Windows Phone from scratches.

Fit and Feel

In using the Hyrdo case with the HD7S, the phone fit nicely in the case but there was a bit of wiggle room. Not enough to make you feel uncomfortable but enough to be noticed.

I was also able to use the Hydro case with the Samsung Focus. The wiggle room was more noticeable but when you put a Mobi Hard Shell case on your Focus, it fits like a glove.

With both phones, the Hydro case offers a thin profile when worn on the belt that is very comfortable.

Overall Impression

The Ecolife Hydro Case is a well constructed, comfortable case for your HD7/S (as well as the Samsung Focus). It offers a nice level of protection for your Windows Phone and is priced in a manner that won't break the bank ($22.95).